“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 (NIV)
I was recently reminded of one of my favorite fishing trips of all times. I went with a good friend of mine to a lake in Canada called Lake of the Woods. Scott and I had spent months planning and preparing. During our trip we caught so many Walleye and Northern Pike that we were literally laughing out loud. I also remember fishing at about 2:00 a.m. next to a huge rock that jutted straight up out of the water about forty feet. As we fished on that clear starlit night, we witnessed the overwhelming beauty of Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights. I’m not sure how long we stared, silently spellbound. It was a majestic sight – and a fishing trip of a lifetime!
What was equally memorable was our road trip getting to our camping spot to begin with. We left late at night, hoping to fish at first light. I was driving and Scott fell asleep. At one point near International Falls, Minnesota, I was supposed to turn west, but I accidentally turned east. I drove for over two hours in the wrong direction! I was classically deceived. It wasn’t until the rising sun (note to self — the sun rises in the EAST!) started blinding me that I realized my mistake. I literally thanked God for the sun, told Scott I was sorry, and turned around (eventually making it to our glorious fishing destination).
I learned a good lesson in all this: It is easy to be deceived — to think I am right (but really I am wrong).
In life, we will all take wrong turns at times. So, what do we do when the Son (not sun) shines into our heart and exposes our folly? There is only one right choice – humble ourselves, acknowledge our mistakes and thank Jesus (the Son), for illuminating sin in our lives. Ultimately, we simply need to turn around, or repent, and let Jesus take over control of our life.
Once you turn back to God, you will be on your way to some magnificent fishing (heaven) and a chance to behold the glory of God (Aurora Borealis)!
Praying the light of Jesus shines brightly into your heart today,
Bill
Posted in A Word from the Pastor